Armor Up and PRAY
Do you ever think back on the traits that you have and consider how people in your life may take advantage of you because of those traits? At least that’s what our feelings tell us. Have you ever considered this…our enemy, the devil, knows our traits and characteristics too. He is counting on us to use them. Let us recognize what’s happening and use what God has given us for His glory!
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Consider this as an example:
Amy is getting ready for work while her husband sits on the couch. While she’s getting ready for work, she sets a trigger off for her husband. She senses something is wrong but just keeps going about her day because if she says anything about it, it might make the day even worse. The enemy is counting on Amy to feel this way and not address what’s wrong. He is counting on her to be worried and to be timid about the situation. As the day continues, Amy and her husband continue to have a bad day because they’re both thinking of the morning and the possible outcomes of the evening.
Let us look at the same scenario again but with a different turn of events.
Amy is getting ready for work while her husband sits on the couch reading a devotion. She notices that his demeanor changes, a trigger has been set off. She makes breakfast and they sit down. He prays over breakfast and over Amy for the day. Amy, recognizing what is happening, begins to pray for her husband reminding the devil he cannot and will not have her husband and that the devil is under their feet. She continues to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead her in prayer for her husband. After “Amen” is said between Amy and her husband, there is a notable difference in her husband and in the atmosphere.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
This scripture explains exactly what Amy did! And this is what God instructs us to do in His word!
What Amy realized in these moments is that there was anger in her. She was angry that the enemy would walk on her and use her timidity to try to harm her marriage! This is righteous anger! How can we tell if our anger is righteous? Ask yourself, does this give the devil a foothold? Or does my anger/actions fight against the devils schemes? Do my actions/words please God?
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Each and every one of us o through various trials in life. The enemy isn’t going to stop! Neither should you! God opened Amy’s eyes to what was going on . She was obedient to God’s word and she was rewarded! How has God opened your eyes? How can you use God’s word in obedience to bring down strongholds in your life and change the atmosphere?
Be encouraged! Everyday is a journey with God. If you let Him, He will give you direction for your life and transform you into the person He wants you to be. This is a wonderful reason to praise our Lord and Savior!
©2022 Leslie Wittenmyer—All rights reserved